How to Select a New Dog for Your Family

When selecting a new dog to take home there are many things to think about and to take into consideration. For instance, the biggest question to ask yourself is why you want a dog? Do you have children who have been begging you for one, or have you decided you need a dog outside to warn of intruders? Maybe you had one as a child and miss the companionship the dog gave you. For whatever reason, dogs can bring families closer and leave you with a sense of fulfillment-however you should know that not all dogs are good for every situation.

If you are selecting a new dog for your children, think about starting with a puppy. Puppies are more sociable and adaptable, and you will get to train them according to your needs. In addition, there's nothing quite as satisfying as watching your new puppy grow up alongside your kids.

Next, you will need to decide on male or female when selecting your new dog. Remember that males tend to be bigger in stature than females, who stay relatively more petite. Males are also more dominant and aggressive in certain breeds.

Temperament should also be checked when selecting a new dog. To do this, simply hold the dog in your arms and tip him on his back (if size allows). If he struggles consistently, this may mean he will take more patience in training. If he lays there, genuinely calm, you can be rest assured he is mild tempered and will be easy to work with. In addition, clap your hands, or make other loud or sudden movements. A mild tempered dog will look curiously at you, while a shy or nervous dog will be startled or shy away.

It's important to always research the breeds you are looking at when selecting a new dog. Make sure you are going to have time to care for whichever one you choose. Depending on the breed, he may need more exercise, training or special climate. For example, a cocker spaniel will take a lot of grooming time and expense because of his luxurious coat.

Although selecting a new dog may seem like a no-brainer, you need to carefully consider the place that you will purchase your dog from. If dealing with a breeder, be sure that he/or she is respectable and dedicated to the standard of breeding itself, and not just in it for the money. Some breeders truly care about their dogs, while others simply don't, and that means that the puppy may not be socialized or might have been treated roughly or poorly. If you are going to buy a dog from the pet store, it's a good idea to ask around or make phone calls to other families who have bought from the same pet store.

Whether you are looking for a big dog or small dog for your family, if you include thought and common sense in selecting your new dog, you should be able to find the perfect one for you. Your new dog will offer you a lasting, loving relationship that is sure to be fulfilling for all of you.

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Maintaining Your Puppy

The key to keeping your puppy fit throughout his life is to never delay any required medical treatment.

From puppy vaccinations to grooming and treatments, here's all you'll need to know about puppy care.

Vaccinations

Before vaccinating your puppy, two things need to be done to ensure your puppy's medical visit goes smoothly:

1) Carry out a complete medical examination. 

2) Deworming, eight days before the vaccination is given.

It is mandatory to vaccinate your puppy at the right time. You have to wait till your puppy is at least 2 months old for him to be vaccinated. If the vaccine were given any time before, it would be of no use, as the maternal antibodies will neutralize the vaccine.

The best age for the first vaccination is when your puppy is eight weeks old. Since it is the first time, two injections need to be given, with a gap of 3 or 5 weeks apart.

The next round of shots begins only a year after the first vaccination. These are known as Booster shots and they need to be renewed regularly according to the vaccine used, the puppy's age and the current law.

Hygiene

Eyes

Clean your puppy's eyes and ears regularly. Use puppy-cleaning products such as an ocular solution for eyes and lotion meant for cleaning ears. Follow the instructions of the cleaning procedure carefully for best results.

Teeth

Protect your puppy's teeth from the formation of dental plaque, by brushing his teeth regularly. This will help prevent gum inflammation and foul breath. A natural remedy is kibble, when your puppy crunches on kibble it has a natural brushing effect.

Coat

Brushing your puppy's coat regularly will get rid of any unwanted parasites. Use shampoos adapted to your puppy's skin only. Human shampoo must not be used on puppies as it causes the skin to itch. Special puppy shampoos are now available in the market. These shampoos have a low acid content and do not cause your puppy's skin to itch. When you use soap, made for humans, on puppies you remove a protective oily layer, which protects your puppy from the cold and rain.

Bathing

How often you bathe your pup depends entirely on his lifestyle. Active puppies need to bathe more often to remove dirt, ticks and fleas since they are exposed to pest more than other pups that stay indoors. Use anti-tick and anti-flea shampoos to remove ticks and fleas.

Treatments

Measure can be taken to prevent transmission of internal and external parasites. While internal parasites are those which are found in soil and meat, can be transmitted from the mother to the puppy by simple contact between two pups, external parasites such as ticks and fleas are found outdoors and capable of transmitting diseases from one puppy to another.

Deworming

Deworming should be done every 6 months for a puppy. Monthly deworming until the age of 6 months should be done. Ask your vet for the best advice on the latest products and treatments available for puppy care.

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A Step-By-Step Guide On How To Train Your Puppy

There are 5 crucial lessons your puppy needs to learn before it becomes an adult dog. This way the lessons learnt, as a pup will remain embedded in his memory for life. This article is a step-by-step guide of 'how to train your puppy'.

1) Learning his name.

For your puppy to respond to your call, you need to teach your puppy his name. The shorter the name, the easier it is to learn. Encourage this training by doing something nice with your puppy before starting. Teaching your puppy his name should be done in two simple steps as given below:

1) Say your puppy's name slowly and clearly to catch his attention. 

2) When your puppy responds to his name, reward him and pat his head. If your he doesn't come straight away, don't tell him off or he will be even slower next time.

2) Knowing the "No".

The next word your puppy needs to learn is "No". From the very beginning he should understand that "No" means something is forbidden.

Be sure your commands are consistent, what is "No' to one day should not be allowed the next, either by you or anyone else in the family.

You need to have command over this word; so that no matter where and when you use it, your puppy will know what he is doing is something he shouldn't.

3) House training your puppy.

Once your puppy has learnt two basic lessons, it's time to move on to house training. There are three simple steps to successfully train your puppy.

1) Take him out every two hours during the day, ideally on waking up, after every meal and after playtime. 

2) If you notice your puppy going round in circles, pick him up and take him outside. When he has finished his business, praise your puppy. 

3) Don't tell your puppy off if he has an accident indoors! Scolding will only stress your puppy out.

4) Sit, Lie down, Stay.

The next few commands your puppy needs to learn should be taught in the order specified.

1) "Sit": While giving this command, push your puppy on his haunches with one hand. Keep his head up with the other hand. 

2) "Lie Down": Ask your puppy to sit, and then gently pull his paws forward while saying "lie down". 

3) Stay: Make your puppy sit and add "stay" while moving away from him. If your he gets up and follows, say "No".

Teaching your puppy meal manners.

Mealtimes should be fixed and your puppy's food bowl must be in the same place, far away from his sleeping area. Tidbits or table scraps should not be given, as it will upset the nutritional balance of the food that you're feeding your puppy currently.

Remember to give your puppy lots of love and praise every time he obeys. This will encourage good behavior.

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Discover the Essential "Know-How" on Feeding Your Puppy

While a puppy's nutritional needs differ from that of adult dogs, the size per serving and the number of meals per day differs too. It is common for new pet owners to mistake the care and needs of a puppy with a grown dog.

Give your puppy some time to warm up to his new home!

The number of meals you give your puppy should be fixed. While adult dogs can have just 2 meals a day, a puppy must be given 3 meals at regular times. Ration the amount of food you need to give your puppy every day. Your puppy may refuse to eat, no worries, it is probably because of the change of home. Be gentle and give your puppy some time to get used to his new home. If the problem persists longer than a few days, talk to your vet.

Puppies have fragile digestive systems. Therefore, the transition from old food to new food needs to be a slow and gradual process. Mix the new food with the old food in small amounts, increasing the amounts every day. Continue this till your puppy's diet only contains the new food.

Say a no-no to snacking.

Avoid giving your puppy snacks in between meals. This will upset his diet and lead to excessive weight gain. It will encourage your puppy to develop bad habits such as begging for food between meals.

Acute sense of smell.

Puppies are more sensitive to smell than taste. Their sense of smell is more developed than humans. They can distinguish between four basic flavors: sweet, sour, salty and bitter. The aromas play an important role in determining the food your puppy likes. Thus, you need not worry about constantly changing your puppy's food.

#FoodFact: Distinguishing taste is due to the presence of taste receptors on the surface of the tongue. While humans have 9,000 taste buds, dogs have only 1,700 on an average.

Small tummy! Small meals!

While Dogs only require two meals a day, puppies should be given several small meals. Depending on your puppy's age, the meals should be scheduled at fixed times. Up to 3 meals a day can be given for puppies that are 4 months old.

In all, overfeeding or going off diet can be harmful to your puppy's health. Before feeding your puppy, review the serving guidelines and measure each portion accordingly.

Fresh and clean!

Make sure your puppy always has access to a bowl of fresh clean water. Change the water regularly as puppies tend to play with it, which in turn dirties the water.

Everybody loves a well-mannered dog.

It is important for your puppy to acquire good eating habits at a young age. Make a separate place in your house, only for your puppy's meals. Always place his food and water bowl in the same location. This way, he will know where to find fresh water and food during mealtime.

The transition from puppy to adulthood.

To prepare you for the later stages of your puppy's life, we will now discuss the transition period from puppy to adulthood. As stated earlier, feeding a dog is different from feeding a puppy. Make sure your puppy's diet is specific to his life cycle.

The transition from new food to old food should be a gradual process that takes place over a period of 7 days.

On the first day, start by mixing your puppy's regular food with 25% new food. Every alternate day, increase the percentage of new food by 25 %. This slow transition will help promote a healthy digestive system during the diet change.

When you keep a dog, you gain a faithful companion for life. Use this guide to take good care of your dog and give your dog the healthy and happy life he deserves.

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The Benefits Of Using Dog Sling Carriers

Owning a pet is a huge responsibility. Of course, there are numerous tasks pet owners need to do in order to accommodate the needs of their pets, most especially dogs. For one, pet owners need to spend time to play with their pets. Next, tasks from bathing and even walking are also important. And, bringing pets to a pet clinic is also essential. However, there are some dogs that are afraid of the environment outside your house. Thus, there are instances when bringing them to a clinic or perhaps a simple stroll in the park can be stressful. Luckily, there are dog accessories like dog sling carriers that can be used to provide safety and protection to your dogs. Apart from that, dog sling carriers also provide other features. Below are some of the following.

Use sling carriers for any size of dog

One of the best features of making use of dog sling carriers is you can use it for any size of dogs. There are cases when you own numerous dogs with different breeds and sizes. Therefore, pet owners need to purchase numerous sizes of carriers. Luckily, sling carriers can be adjusted to cater to the size of your pet.

Secure your dog completely

Another benefit of using such carrier is you can provide complete security to your pets. Some dogs are anxious in crowded, noisy places. In addition, some dogs are also energetic and even dangerous most especially if they do not know the person. So, making use of carriers for dogs can help you ensure that your dog and other individuals are safe.

Dog sling carriers are lightweight

With the increasing demand of dog carriers, there are numerous carriers pet owners can choose from. However, most carriers are heavy and bulky. Not to mention, some carriers cannot be used in tight areas. By investing in sling carriers for dogs, you can easily bring your pet with you. In addition, carriers can also be stored easily since it is created from fabric. Hence, you can easily fold and store it.

Provides a wonderful style

Finally, with the use of dog carriers, you do not need to compromise your style since sling carriers are very stylish. As a result, any type of clothing can be complemented which can also boost your confidence as you walk with your pet.

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Dog Adoption - The Benefits to You!

Dog Ownership: Breeder or Shelter Dog?

You've dreamt of owning a dog. It's only now you are in a position to look after one responsibly. You've waited so long, which means you've earned the right to be fussy and buy a purebred.

Right?

Before answering, let's ask another question.

Why do you want a dog: Are you looking for a four-legged soul mate or a fashion accessory?

No - don't turn away! Think about it some more.

Research the Breed

OK, you did the research and let's say a pug is the perfect size for you, the right temperament for the kids, and has such a lovable face. You have a good reason to choose this particular breed.

But don't forget dogs are individuals in just the same way as people. Buying a particular pedigree puppy doesn't mean he won't be a real hand-full, or anxious, or nervous.

Dogs are Individuals

Just because the breed has a certain reputation doesn't mean your purebred puppy is guaranteed to conform to type. What if you buy a pug and he's so determined to have his own way that he urinates on the kids' toys and defecates near doors. Not so pug-perfect then, is he?

Most rescue dogs have grown through the puppy phase and established their character. This means you better know what you're getting, rather than riding the lottery of a purebred pup.

Purebred Rescue Societies

And if your heart is still set on a pedigree, don't forget the breed rescue societies. People get divorced, they lose their jobs, and circumstances change. Unfortunate circumstances mean heartbroken owners end up surrendering perfectly lovely pedigrees. So why not give one of these dogs a home?

Open Minded

So you're open-minded about the breed, and just want a dog you can look in the eye and make a connection. Then a rescue is absolutely the place to go.

Of course, you may well be saving a life (some rescues run a "No kill" policy, but others look after strays for seven days and unclaimed dogs are euthanized) which is hugely important (especially for the dog involved).

This is all very well, but how do YOU benefit from adopting a rescue dog?

· A Head Start on Health: You know what you're getting. Most rescues have a veterinarian check their charges over for health problems. Then dogs (and cats of course) are neutered, chipped, vaccinated, checked for heartworm, and parasite treatments started. Talk about an all-inclusive package! (And all for less than the cost of a pedigree pup)

· Canine Character: Your prospective new family member has established their personality. Why wonder how they'll get on with kids, when you can introduce them and find out? Again, most dogs have undergone extensive personality testing, so the rescue can tell you how the dog gets on with other dogs and reacts in different circumstances, hence cutting out the uncertainty.

· House Broken: Fancy getting up every two to four hours through the night to give than a new puppy a toilet break? Believe me, the novelty soon wears off. Rescue dogs are house-broken so those inevitable puppy accidents are a lot less likely.

· Purchase Price: I'm not advocating spending less is a motive for rescuing a dog - after all, this not a cheap hobby you're entering into, and if you can't afford the purchase price you can't afford to keep a dog. But when adopting a rescue the purchase price goes to looking after other dogs in need, and supporting them through a time when their whole life has been ripped apart - Nice to know the money goes to a good cause!

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What Is A Psychiatric Service Dog

Psychiatric service dog refers to a dog that is specifically trained to help handlers with psychiatric disabilities. It can be of great use to people suffering from schizophrenia or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Traditionally, man and dog have been great friends. Dogs have helped blind people and recently they have been found to be helpful to the deaf persons and those with psychiatric disabilities.

Dogs that are trained to help people with psychiatric disorders will always run and lie on the laps of their handlers and provide the requisite calming pressure. The dog is trained to perform tasks meant at mitigating the handlers' disability. They provide environmental assessment such as paranoia or hallucinations. They signal interruptive, repetitive or injurious behaviors. In some cases, the dog may perform other duties such as reminding the handler to take medication, guide them from situations deemed to be stressful, retrieve objects or brace dizzy handlers.

The dogs could be of any size and from any breed. The dogs perform better when they are trained by professional trainers in collaboration with the handler. Alternatively, the dog may have to go through a service dog programs. Currently, there are many assistant dog organizations that have recognized the need for dogs in helping psychiatric disability victims. The organizations train and support psychiatric service dog handlers.

In the U.S. the psychiatric service dog refers to an emotional support service dog that is allowed to accompany the handler in locations that are accessible to the public regardless of whether the premises' policy allow dogs to enter such premises or not. However, the dog is expected to behave properly and should not interfere with the normal operations that take place in the premise. Behaviors such as barking, defecating, biting, obstructing people or general threat to the public may not be condoned.

People with psychiatric service dogs may face a myriad of problems that other service dog's handlers may not experience. Normally, people suffering from psychiatric conditions may not appear to have a problem and may not be ready to disclose their condition because of the problem associated with the condition. The handlers may also be reluctant to explain their condition or the tasks the dog is trained to perform. The fact that the dog may be of any size or breed, may confuse the public further. It may make people to inappropriately impugn the status of the dog and force the handler to divulge details of their condition.

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